Given recent events, it would not surprise me if it was fear that caused assistant referee Constantine Hatzidakis to react in the way he did towards Andy Robertson after the half-time whistle was blown against Arsenal.
The Liverpool defender approaches the match official from behind, making him unaware of his presence.
There appears to be contact between Robertson and Hatzidakis, and the assistant is trying to release himself by walking away from the Scotland international.
Players engaging in contact with referees has been in the news recently with Fulham striker Aleksandar Mitrovic being found guilty of manhandling an official during their FA Cup quarter-final against Manchester United last month.
The Serbian received an eight-game ban for his actions and there have also been instances of threats from players and managers to referees in recent years. I would not be surprised if this had a role in Hatzidakis acting unusually.
When you use your elbow as a weapon, you clench your fist and hit down to make an impact but Hatzidakis has pushed his elbow up towards Robertson in the same way you would squat a fly who was pestering you.
With that said, there is a basis in football that players are not allowed to touch a match official and it goes the same way with match officials towards players and footage appears to show Hatzidakis making contact with Robertson during the altercation.
Referees have attacked players in other leagues but the situation which occurred at Anfield is unprecedented in English football.
Therefore, given the circumstances it is important we do not judge this unusual situation before a full investigation is carried out which provides much-needed clarity.
It will no doubt have serious implications for Hatzidakis’ career should he be found guilty and just like a player, will receive a suspension.
I am sure the Professional Game Match Officials LTD (PGMOL) and the Football Association will use the referees report as well as every angle possible in the stadium before coming to a conclusion.
